The Defense - is it really much better?

[Clarkson]

Ladies and Gentleman,

I by no means want to bring down the mood here. I'm as thrilled as anyone about what we're doing right now. The offense is really ridiculous. Look at all the production we're getting from draft picks on the offense the last several years.

The stats show, however, our defense is allowing the same amount of yards per play - just a crap ton less plays are being run against us. Is this cause for concern at all, or just one number? We clearly need a better pass rush. When is Lawrence coming back, and how much can he possibly help? I'm still, just a TAD, skeptical about this defense.

 

[Doomsday101]

Ladies and Gentleman,

I by no means want to bring down the mood here. I'm as thrilled as anyone about what we're doing right now. The offense is really ridiculous. Look at all the production we're getting from draft picks on the offense the last several years.

The stats show, however, our defense is allowing the same amount of yards per play - just a crap ton less plays are being run against us. Is this cause for concern at all, or just one number? We clearly need a better pass rush. When is Lawrence coming back, and how much can he possibly help? I'm still, just a TAD, skeptical about this defense.

Dallas needs to do better in pass rushing but there is no doubt in my mind or in my vision that this defense is playing very good ball. They are stepping up and making plays and they continue to win the 3rd down battles. Part of winning TOP is the defense getting off the field and they are doing that. Dallas held NY 5 of 13 on 3rd down.

 

[Clarkson]

Very true. The eye test tells me the defense IS much better. They are indeed making plays when they need to and holding opponents. Good points.

 

[Fritsch_the_cat]

No sacks to speak of but they have been putting pressure on the QB's. They can't just stand back there and throw at will.

 

[Rob Mexico]

The team is faster attacking the ball, plays with heart and hustle, and is excelling at a simplified game plan designed to let below average to average players not have to think as much and just be athletes with strong basic fundamentals. So compared to last years lazy, busted, uninspired bunch? Yes, they are better.

We need a better pass rush though, that is not better.

 

[Clarkson]

Eli had about 3 uncalled intentional groundings yesterday, too.

 

[Richmond Cowboy]

I saw Eli throwing a bunch of passes away yesterday as he was being flushed out of the pocket. I also saw their running back running into a brick wall time and time again. My eyes see a much more aggressive defense..

 

[Doomsday101]

I saw Eli throwing a bunch of passes away yesterday as he was being flushed out of the pocket. I also saw their running back running into a brick wall time and time again. My eyes see a much more aggressive defense..

No kidding. I saw 3 big time solo tackles in the hole vs NY running game. Ro, Crawford and Melton had played where they stoned the RB in the hole for no gain. Text book tackles and very aggressive as they attacked not sat back waiting for the RB

 

[Doc50]

Look at the 3rd down conversion rate allowed, or better yet, # of 1st downs allowed.

The 3rd down rate is better, but not by a profound amount, because last year conversions were frequently made on 2nd or even 1st down.

You know the D is better, but sometimes the stats people routinely evaluate are the wrong ones to show it.

Another one, YPC -- skewed this year by just a few runs of 10+ yds, when last year we were memorably gashed repeatedly by these; there were simply lots more carries last year, so the denominator in that stat was bigger, too.

 

[DanteEXT]

Ladies and Gentleman,

I by no means want to bring down the mood here. I'm as thrilled as anyone about what we're doing right now. The offense is really ridiculous. Look at all the production we're getting from draft picks on the offense the last several years.

The stats show, however, our defense is allowing the same amount of yards per play - just a crap ton less plays are being run against us. Is this cause for concern at all, or just one number? We clearly need a better pass rush. When is Lawrence coming back, and how much can he possibly help? I'm still, just a TAD, skeptical about this defense.

It's just a number. And it's a yards number, who cares. They have only been facing one less drive per game than last year.